Dan Czyz, senior in Agriculture Accounting, says he likes to make a difference in people’s lives. Founder of a new philanthropy for his fraternity, Dan is definitely taking steps towards helping others while also taking steps for success post-graduation. Not many people can say they’ve done as much as Dan, so we decided to sit down and talk with this hard-working stud (who can woo you with his guitar, too!).
Her Campus: Tell us about yourself and what you are involved with on campus.
Dan Czyz: I’m a senior here at the University of Illinois studying Agriculture Accounting. I am a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where I was the Vice President last year, and the Philanthropy Chair the year before that. I like to consider myself a big philanthropist because I really enjoy helping people. In 2009, I went to Bolivia to help build a hospital, and that really opened my eyes. So, I decided to found a new philanthropy for Pi Kappa Alpha entitled PiKAid. I also play guitar and write my own music, all while keeping up an enjoyable social life.
HC: That’s Awesome! What exactly is PiKAid?
DC: PiKAid is a program that gives back to those in need in international countries. Starting in November and extending until the end of the spring semester, we host a clothing and food drive, which collects everything from clothes, imperishable food items, toys and books among many other items. Wel also have change boxes in local companies for people to donate money to PiKAid. We are working with Focus Greek, a religious group on campus, to send a missionary to deliver the donations we raised at the end of the semester.
HC: When did you start playing guitar?
DC: I started playing the guitar about eight years ago. In high school, I was in a band for which I wrote and recorded all the music. Now I just play for fun. Last spring, I played at Foellinger for Chi Omega’s “So You Think You Can Frat,” as well as Alpha Phi’s “King of Hearts” philanthropy.
HC: What’s your favorite kind of music to listen to?
DC: I like listening to basically everything — anything from rap to acoustic. Acoustic is probably my favorite to play because it is very chill, but I can play just about anything.
HC: What are some of your aspirations in life?
DC: After I get my degree, I want to go into business consulting. After doing that for a few years, I would love to start my own company. I like to travel, so I would love to travel the world. I really want to go back to Bolivia and see the hospital I helped build. It would be awesome to meet the people that the hospital has helped there.
HC: What are some things on your bucket list in life?
DC: The main thing on my bucket list is to go base-jumping while wearing a wing suit. Along with traveling and going back to Bolivia, I would also like to perform in front of a huge crowd one day, and do a triathlon and marathon. I think it would be awesome to build my own recording studio in my house when I’m older, too.
HC: Let’s hear some more of your favorites. What’s your favorite thing about the University of Illinois?
DC: I really enjoy the nightlife here. This school has such a fun atmosphere, and I have met so many cool people. I like that I can balance my time with school and my hobbies, as well as have time to enjoy the social aspect of Champaign.
HC: Who is your favorite music artist?
DC: John Mayer.
HC: What is your favorite movie?
DC: Training Day with Denzel Washington — you need to see it.
HC: What is your favorite “happy hour” hotspot?
DC: You can find me at the Red Lion.
HC: Describe yourself in 5 words:
DC: Outgoing, creative, competent, hard working and adventurous.
HC: What is the first thing you notice when you meet a girl?
DC: I notice her eyes and her smile.